Glimpse of History: For years, Flemington's place for a roadside repast

FLEMINGTON — Flemington’s Circle Diner at the intersection of routes 202 and 31 is pictured in this promotional postcard photo from the 1950s.

For 30 years, the diner was owned and operated by Nicholas “Big Nick” Glynos. According to Glynos’ obituary, posted on nj.com on Dec. 8, 2010, he immigrated to the United States from Greece in 1947 and opened his first restaurant in Jersey City.

In 1955, Glynos purchased the Circle Diner, which he co-owned and operated with his brother, James. It was less than a decade after Glynos sold the diner that it burned to the ground. According to an article published in The Star-Ledger on June 30, 2010, “In 1994, the building burned down, when the owner had the place torched in an attempt to cash in on the $1 million insurance. James Katsaros admitted the scheme in 1996.”

The site of the Circle Diner is now occupied by a T.G.I Friday’s restaurant. A Facebook page is devoted to memories of the diner.

If you would like to share a photo that provides a glimpse of history in your community, please call (973) 392-5950 or send an e-mail to somerset@starledger.com or hunterdon@starledger.com.